Search Results (2,977)

Inland depression irrigation districts in the arid regions of Xinjiang, owing to the absence of natural drainage conditions, exhibit unique groundwater-salt dynamics and face prominent risks of soil salinization, thus necessitating clarification of their water-salt transport mechanisms to ensure sustainable agricultural development. This study takes the Karamay Agricultural Comprehensive Development Zone as the research subject. The study examines the distribution characteristics of soil salinity, groundwater depth, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of groundwater across diverse soil textures, elucidates the correlative relationships between groundwater dynamics and soil salinity, and forecasts the evolutionary trajectory of groundwater levels within the irrigation district. The findings reveal that groundwater depth in silty soil regions (3.24–3.11 m) substantially exceeds that in silty clay regions (2.43–2.61 m), whereas TDS of groundwater demonstrates marginally elevated concentrations in silty clay areas (19.05–16.78 g L⁻¹) compared to silty soil zones (18.18–16.29 g L⁻¹). Soil salinity exhibits pronounced surface accumulation phenomena and considerable inter-annual seasonal variations: manifesting a “spring-peak, summer-trough” pattern in 2023, which inversely transitioned to a “summer-peak, spring-trough” configuration in 2024, with salinity hotspots predominantly concentrated in silty clay distribution zones. A significant sigmoid functional relationship emerges between soil salinity and groundwater depth (R² = 0.73–0.77), establishing critical depth thresholds of 2.44 m for silty soil and 2.72 m for silty clay, beneath which the risk of secondary salinization escalates dramatically. The XGBoost model demonstrates robust predictive capability for groundwater levels (R² = 0.8545, MAE = 0.4428, RMSE = 0.5174), with feature importance analysis identifying agricultural irrigation as the predominant influencing factor. Model projections indicate that mean groundwater depths across the irrigation district will decline to 2.91 m, 2.76 m, 2.62 m, and 2.36 m over the ensuing 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Within a decade, 73.33% of silty soil regions and 92.31% of silty clay regions will experience groundwater levels below critical thresholds, subjecting the irrigation district to severe secondary salinization threats. Consequently, comprehensive mitigation strategies encompassing precision irrigation management and enhanced drainage infrastructure are imperative. Full article

Groundwater, a critical resource for regional water security and public health, faces escalating threats from heavy metal contamination—a pressing environmental challenge worldwide. This study focuses on the central-south Hunan region of China, a mineral-rich, densely populated area characterized predominantly by non-point-source pollution, aiming to systematically unravel the spatial patterns, source contributions, and associated health risks of heavy metals in local groundwater. Based on 717 spring and well water samples collected in 2024, we determined pH and seven heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Tl). By integrating hydrogeological zoning, lithology, topography, and river networks, the study area was divided into 11 assessment units, clearly revealing the spatial heterogeneity of heavy metals. The results demonstrate that exceedances of Cd, Pb, and Zn were sporadic and point-source-influenced, whereas As, Fe, Mn, and Tl showed regional exceedance patterns (e.g., Mn exceeded the standard in 9.76% of samples), identifying them as priority control elements. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was governed the synergistic effects of lithology, water–rock interactions, and hydrological structure, showing a distinct “acidic in the northeast, alkaline in the southwest” pH gradient. Combined application of the APCS-MLR and PMF models resolved five principal pollution sources: an acid-reducing-environment-driven release source (contributing 76.1% of Fe and 58.3% of Pb); a geogenic–anthropogenic composite source (contributing 81.0% of Tl and 62.4% of Cd); a human-perturbation-triggered natural Mn release source (contributing 94.8% of Mn); an agricultural-activity-related input source (contributing 60.1% of Zn); and a primary geological source (contributing 89.9% of As). Monte Carlo simulation-based health risk assessment indicated that the average hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for all heavy metals were below acceptable thresholds, suggesting generally manageable risk. However, As was the dominant contributor to both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with its carcinogenic risk exceeding the threshold in up to 3.84% of the simulated adult exposures under extreme scenarios. Sensitivity analysis identified exposure duration (ED) as the most influential parameter governing risk outcomes. In conclusion, we recommend implementing spatially differentiated management strategies: prioritizing As control in red-bed and granite–metamorphic zones; enhancing Tl monitoring in the northern and northeastern granite-rich areas, particularly downstream of the Mishui River; and regulating land use in brick-factory-dense riparian zones to mitigate disturbance-induced Mn release—for instance, through the enforcement of setback requirements and targeted groundwater monitoring programs. This study provides a scientific foundation for the sustainable management and safety assurance of groundwater resources in regions with similar geological and anthropogenic settings. Full article

Balancing protection and development is essential for mitigating anthropogenic threats and achieving sustainable development in coastal regions. However, integrated spatial planning that links marine protected areas (MPAs) with developed spaces and incorporates land–sea coordination remains insufficiently explored—despite global frameworks such as the “Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” advocating for such integration. In this study, we used Xiamen, a typical bay city in China, as an example, assessed its habitat suitability through the MaxEnt model, and determined its key development areas through hotspot analysis, aiming to coordinate protection and development, as well as land and marine utilization in coastal areas. The results indicate the following: (1) existing protected areas require adjustments; (2) multiple development hotspots overlap, while several cold spots with limited potential for functional development were identified; (3) prioritizing MPAs in decision-making led to an approximate 42.8% increase in MPA coverage in Xiamen. Overall, this study produced a comprehensive plan that integrates both ecological and social objectives. Full article

Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by skeletal muscle loss concurrent with adipose tissue accumulation, has emerged as a global health threat. Exercise is established as an effective intervention; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects remain incompletely defined. This study investigated whether exercise mitigates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced sarcopenic obesity, and whether the mechanism was related to the activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Acetyl-CoA carboxylase pathway (ACC) pathway and the inhibition of ferroptosis. Cell experiments demonstrated that palmitic acid induced ferroptosis in C2C12 mouse myoblasts. Animal experiments confirmed that HFD promoted skeletal muscle ferroptosis in C57BL/6 mice, evidenced by iron metabolism imbalance (solute carrier family 39 member14 upregulation, ferroportin downregulation), impaired antioxidant capacity (reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase 4), and elevated lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde). Meanwhile, both flat treadmill running and uphill treadmill running may reverse these changes by activating AMPK/ACC phosphorylation, reducing non-transferrin iron uptake, enhancing iron export and storage, and improving antioxidant status, jointly inhibiting ferroptosis and attenuating muscle mass loss and lipid deposition. These findings confirm that ferroptosis acts as one of the key pathogenic drivers in sarcopenic obesity and suggests that exercise may improve sarcopenic obesity by activating the AMPK/ACC pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis. This study provides novel mechanistic insights into exercise-mediated regulation of iron-lipid metabolism crosstalk and informs targeted interventions for sarcopenic obesity. Full article

The integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), blockchain (BC), and machine learning (ML) has emerged as a promising approach to securing Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) networks. This paper conducted a comprehensive review of recent studies focusing on multi-layered security across device, control, network, and application layers. The analysis reveals that BC technology ensures decentralised trust, immutability, and secure access validation, while SDN enables programmability, load balancing, and real-time monitoring. In addition, ML/deep learning (DL) techniques, including federated and hybrid learning, strengthen anomaly detection, predictive security, and adaptive mitigation. Reported evaluations show similar gains in detection accuracy, latency, throughput, and energy efficiency, with effective defence against threats, though differing experimental contexts limit direct comparison. It also shows that the solutions’ effectiveness depends on ecosystem factors such as SDN controllers, BC platforms, cryptographic protocols, and ML frameworks. However, most studies rely on simulations or small-scale testbeds, leaving large-scale and heterogeneous deployments unverified. Significant challenges include scalability, computational and energy overhead, dataset dependency, limited adversarial resilience, and the explainability of ML-driven decisions. Based on the findings, future research should focus on lightweight consensus mechanisms for constrained devices, privacy-preserving ML/DL, and cross-layer adversarial-resilient frameworks. Advancing these directions will be important in achieving scalable, interoperable, and trustworthy SDN-IoT/IIoT security solutions. Full article

Influenza has long been a well-documented contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly among high-risk groups. COVID-19 has notably altered the seasonality and natural history of pandemic influenza, with broad implications for related cardiac complications. This review examines the interaction between influenza and cardiovascular illness, especially myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and other acute cardiac events. We review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza transmission dynamics, public health policy, and the evolving burden of cardiovascular complications. New evidence indicates that both diseases exacerbate endothelial dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and prothrombotic states, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. A comparative analysis of pre- and post-COVID-19 influenza-related cardiac complications clarifies evolving trends and guides future preventive strategies. In light of the recent resurgence of influenza following the relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation measures, maximizing vaccine coverage and collaborating to manage viral infections in patients with cardiovascular disease are critical. This review focuses on key research needs to understand long-term cardiac consequences and the urgent requirement for targeted public health strategies to counter viral-mediated cardiovascular threats. In the post-COVID era, integrating influenza and COVID-19 vaccination strategies into cardiovascular risk management may represent a critical opportunity to reduce virus-triggered cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Full article

Aflatoxins, mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, were discovered sixty-five years ago and remain a significant public health threat, particularly amid increasing instances of extreme weather events. Of the four principal forms of aflatoxins found in foods (B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂), aflatoxin B₁ is the most potent carcinogen. Aflatoxins commonly contaminate a variety of foodstuffs, with maize being among the most susceptible. Chronic exposure to aflatoxins has been linked to liver cancer, childhood stunting, gallbladder cancer, and other adverse health effects. Due to public health concerns related to the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods, most countries have established regulatory limits. Here, we present estimated aflatoxin exposure per day derived from human biomarker data across many studies around the world spanning more than forty years. We specifically focus on the impact of dietary aflatoxin in northern Latin America, where assessment of the total problem remains limited. These findings suggest a multipronged toolkit could mitigate aflatoxin exposure in the region, which would help to decrease the health burden. Full article

(1) Background: The convergence of Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming digital accounting from retrospective documentation into real-time operational intelligence. This systematic review examines how Industry 4.0 technologies—artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, edge computing, and digital twins—transform accounting practices through intelligent automation, continuous compliance, and predictive decision support. (2) Methods: The study synthesizes 176 peer-reviewed sources (2015–2025) selected using explicit inclusion criteria emphasizing empirical evidence. Thematic analysis across seven domains—conceptual foundations, system evolution, financial reporting, fraud detection, audit transformation, implementation challenges, and emerging technologies—employs systematic bias-reduction mechanisms to develop evidence-based theoretical propositions. (3) Results: Key findings document fraud detection accuracy improvements from 65–75% (rule-based) to 85–92% (machine learning), audit cycle reductions of 40–60% with coverage expansion from 5–10% sampling to 100% population analysis, and reconciliation effort decreases of 70–80% through triple-entry blockchain systems. Edge computing reduces processing latency by 40–75%, enabling compliance response within hours versus 24–72 h. Four propositions are established with empirical support: IoT-enabled reporting superiority (15–25% error reduction), AI-blockchain fraud detection advantage (60–70% loss reduction), edge computing compliance responsiveness (55–75% improvement), and GDPR-blockchain adoption barriers (67% of European institutions affected). Persistent challenges include cybersecurity threats (300% incident increase, $5.9 million average breach cost), workforce deficits (70–80% insufficient training), and implementation costs ($100,000–$1,000,000). (4) Conclusions: The research contributes a four-layer technology architecture and challenge-mitigation framework bridging technical capabilities with regulatory requirements. Future research must address quantum computing applications (5–10 years), decentralized finance accounting standards (2–5 years), digital twins with 30–40% forecast improvement potential (3–7 years), and ESG analytics frameworks (1–3 years). The findings demonstrate accounting’s fundamental transformation from historical record-keeping to predictive decision support. Full article

Objective: The emergence and spread of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a growing threat in veterinary medicine, particularly in equine hospitals. This study investigated the colonization and infection dynamics of horses undergoing emergency laparotomy with two distinct antibiotic protocols (single-shot versus 5-day protocol) during hospitalization. Methods: Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected from 67 horses undergoing emergency laparotomy at clinic admission as well as on postoperative days 3 and 10. These were screened for multi-drug-resistant indicator pathogens. As multi-drug-resistant indicator pathogens, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E), and bacteria belonging to the Acinetobacter baumannii complex were defined. Results: Preoperatively, 6.2% of horses tested positive for MRSA and 13% for ESBL-E. An increase in colonization was observed on day 3 postoperatively, with 62.1% of nasal swabs and 86.4% of fecal samples testing positive for MDR organisms. On day 10, 53.4% of nasal swabs and 62.5% of fecal samples tested positive for indicator pathogens. Surgical site infection developed in five horses, two of which tested positive for MRSA in both nasal and wound samples during hospitalization, supporting the potential role of nasal carriage as a source of infection. Furthermore, all horses tested positive for ESBL-E during at least one time-point during hospitalization, and Enterobacterales (MDR in two surgical site infections (SSI)) were involved in all surgical site infections. No significant differences were observed between the two antibiotic treatment groups regarding colonization rates with indicator pathogens during hospitalization. However, the results indicate that hospitalization itself contributes to increased colonization with resistant bacteria. A clear limitation of the study is the restricted number of sampled horses and the lack of environmental contamination data. Non-sampled hospitalized horses with and without antibiotic treatment may have acted as reservoirs for MDR bacteria. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for routine environmental monitoring and strict adherence to hygiene protocols in equine clinics to reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission. Ongoing surveillance and infection control strategies are essential to mitigate the spread of MDR pathogens in veterinary settings. Full article

This review explores the innovative approaches in the development of next-generation biopesticides, focusing on molecular and microbial strategies for effective control of fungal plant pathogens. As agricultural practices increasingly seek sustainable solutions to combat plant diseases, biopesticides have emerged as a promising alternative to chemical pesticides, offering reduced environmental impact and enhanced safety for non-target organisms. The review begins by outlining the critical role of fungal pathogens in global agriculture, emphasizing the need for novel control methods that can mitigate their detrimental effects on crop yields. Key molecular strategies discussed include the use of genetic engineering to enhance the efficacy of biopesticides, the application of RNA interference (RNAi) techniques to target specific fungal genes, and the development of bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Additionally, this review highlights the potential of microbial agents, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, in establishing biocontrol mechanisms that promote plant health and resilience. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies and advancements in the field, this manuscript illustrates how integrating molecular and microbial strategies can lead to the development of effective biopesticides tailored to combat specific fungal threats. The implications of these strategies for sustainable agriculture are discussed, alongside the challenges and future directions for research and implementation. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the transformative potential of next-generation biopesticides in the fight against fungal plant pathogens, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable food production. Full article

Marine traffic poses a significantly increasing threat to the marine environment, especially marine megafauna species, due to collisions between large vessels and marine organisms that most frequently result in mortality. The adoption of mitigation methods for collisions is critical to avoid population declines. Selecting the optimal mitigation method depends on a set of criteria and is best assessed using decision-making tools. The current study reviewed the use of decision-making tools for marine traffic applications and discusses the existing gap regarding environmental applications (especially considering the impact on marine biodiversity). Furthermore, the authors propose a method for estimating hotspots of marine traffic that may overlap with marine biodiversity foraging grounds, and the structure for a decision-making tool for mitigating collisions and conserving the marine environment. Full article

This study examines the functions of the vocative-based marker moré in contexts of disagreement in Greek conversation, drawing on interactional linguistics. The analysis of audio-recorded informal face-to-face conversations and telephone calls from the Corpus of Spoken Greek shows that, in such contexts, moré functions as an interpersonal marker, signaling solidarity and friendliness and thereby mitigating the potential face threat posed by disagreement. It also functions as a cognitive marker, conveying counterexpectation to the addressee. The study compares moré with its grammaticalized form, vre. Both moré and vre appear in contexts of ‘friendly’ disagreement with similar discourse functions. However, unlike vre, moré occurs in a broader range of disagreement types from the most to the least face-aggravating, including challenges, contradictions and counterclaims, and it also appears in contexts of impoliteness. This suggests that the two forms have different affordances, with vre displaying a higher level of solidarity than more. Full article

Urban underpasses are critical flood-prone hotspots during extreme rainfall, posing significant threats to urban resilience and infrastructure safety. However, a scale gap persists between catchment-scale hydrological models, which often oversimplify local geometry, and high-fidelity hydrodynamic models, which typically lack realistic boundary conditions. To bridge this gap, this study develops a multi-scale framework that integrates the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) with 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The framework employs a unidirectional integration (one-way forcing), utilizing SWMM-simulated runoff hydrographs as dynamic inlet boundaries for a detailed CFD model of a 2.8 km underpass in Shanghai. Simulations across six design rainfall events (2- to 50-year return periods) revealed two distinct flooding mechanisms: a systemic response at the hydraulic low point, governed by cumulative inflow; and a localized response at entrance concavities, where water depth is rapidly capped by micro-topography. Informed by these mechanisms, an intensity-graded drainage strategy was developed. Simulation results show significant differences between different drainage strategies. Through this framework and optimized drainage system design, significant water accumulation within the underpass can be prevented, enhancing its flood resistance and reducing the severity of disasters. This integrated framework provides a robust tool for enhancing the flood resilience of urban underpasses and offers a basis for the design of proactive disaster mitigation systems. Full article

In today’s volatile digital environments, conventional data governance practices fail to adequately address the dynamic, context-sensitive, and risk-hazardous nature of data use. This paper introduces DRADG (Dynamic Risk-Adaptive Data Governance), a new paradigm that unites risk-aware decision-making with adaptive data governance mechanisms to enhance resilience, compliance, and trust in complex data environments. Drawing on the convergence of existing data governance models, best practice risk management (DAMA-DMBOK, NIST, and ISO 31000), and real-world enterprise experience, this framework provides a modular, expandable approach to dynamically aligning governance strategy with evolving contextual factors and threats in data management. The contribution is in the form of a multi-layered paradigm combining static policy with dynamic risk indicator through application of data sensitivity categorization, contextual risk scoring, and use of feedback loops to continuously adapt. The technical contribution is in the governance-risk matrix formulated, mapping data lifecycle stages (acquisition, storage, use, sharing, and archival) to corresponding risk mitigation mechanisms. This is embedded through a semi-automated rules-based engine capable of modifying governance controls based on predetermined thresholds and evolving data contexts. Validation was obtained through simulation-based training in cross-border data sharing, regulatory adherence, and cloud-based data management. Findings indicate that DRADG enhances governance responsiveness, reduces exposure to compliance risks, and provides a basis for sustainable data accountability. The research concludes by providing guidelines for implementation and avenues for future research in AI-driven governance automation and policy learning. DRADG sets a precedent for imbuing intelligence and responsiveness at the heart of data governance operations of modern-day digital enterprises. Full article

Eutrophication is a major threat to freshwater ecosystems, leading to harmful algal blooms, biodiversity loss, and hypoxia. Excessive nutrient loading, primarily from nitrates and phosphates, is driven by fertilizer runoff, sewage discharge, and agricultural practices. Sediment microbial fuel cells (sMFCs) have emerged as a potential bioremediation strategy for nutrient removal while generating electricity. Although various studies have explored ways to enhance sMFC performance, limited research has examined the relationship between external resistance, electricity generation, and nutrient removal efficiency. This study demonstrated effective nutrient removal from overlying water, with 1200 Ω achieving the highest nitrate and phosphate removal efficiency at 59.0% and 32.2%, respectively. The impact of external resistances (510 Ω and 1200 Ω) on sMFC performance was evaluated, with the 1200 Ω configuration generating a maximum voltage of 466.7 mV and the 510 Ω configuration generating a maximum current of 0.56 mA. These findings show that external resistance plays a major role in both electrochemical performance and nutrient-removal efficiency. Higher external resistance consistently resulted in greater voltage output and improved removal of nitrate and phosphate. The findings also indicate that sMFCs can serve as a dual-purpose technology for nutrient removal and electricity generation. The power output may be sufficient to support small, eco-friendly biosensing devices in remote aquatic environments while mitigating eutrophication. Full article